Pottstown’s Spin on Tourism

The Borough of Pottstown is on the cusp of reaching for the
brass ring.

Armed with the knowledge of the economic possibilities
brought on by tourism, visionary leaders have been working to transform this
former industrial center into an attractive and engaging destination.

Manatawny Green, an 18-hole miniature golf
course that challenges putters of all ages with its interesting water features.

Steel River Playhouse, with an ambitious annual
season of plays, concerts and musicals.

The Brick House, an up-and-coming restaurant
serving customers in the architectural splendor of an 1880s bank building.

Joining these powerful draws is the Pottstown Carousel.

After a 13-year odyssey involving significant fundraising, revival
of machinery from 1905, the search for a permanent home and hours of painstaking
artistic restoration, the attraction is nearing its soft-launch later this year.

Children of all ages - even those of a more advanced age but
with a youthful spirit - can support this treasure this weekend. On Sunday,
September 13, the 12th Annual Carousel of Flavor lays out an ample spread representing
Pottstown's emerging culinary and craft brew scene.

George Wausnock is President of The Carousel at Pottstown,
the nonprofit group heading the operation. He led me on a preview tour of this
historic amusement.

"I attended an event at Sunnybrook Ballroom," Wausnock says.
"And they had brought in a small carousel for the kids to ride. It was outside,
and the weather that day wasn't exactly seasonal. But I was struck by the sight
of people waiting in line - in the cold - to ride a small carousel. And it got
me thinking about the appeal of a ride like this. That was the beginning of
what is now The Carousel at Pottstown."

Wausnock allows me to wander through the former Pottstown
Metal Weld Building, the center of which is taken up by a huge
birthday-cake-shaped platform of animals ready to leap forward. Off to one
side, a band organ is midway through its restoration. When completed, it will
provide a merry soundtrack.

"Each figure is made of wood," Wausnock explains. "We wanted
an authentic carousel experience, meaning no fiberglass animals. The carving alone
took 200 hours per horse." An additional 200 to 250 hours were spent on painting.

Above them, ringing the center axis, are children's portraits.
Each of these was commissioned by a family whose donations supplied funding.
Wausnock's own grandchildren occupy a panel, the result of an artist painting
their picture from a photograph he supplied. "I've seen the work of artists
costing thousands of dollars that don't look as good as what was provided here
for a donation," he says. "So we not only got an excellent picture, but we also
got one that will last hopefully for generations."

The outside perimeter of the carousel is also decorated with
artwork; these pictures capture some of Pottstown's most identifiable tourism
sites, including Pottsgrove Manor and Sunnybrook Ballroom.

Making the Pottstown carousel a true destination has led its
leadership to think beyond merely giving the public a chance to ride a vintage
amusement. Plans for the space include a trio of party rooms for kids' birthday
celebrations, a catering kitchen, a concession stand and even outdoor seating. Further
off in the future, organizers hope to connect to the terminal of the Colebrookdale
Railroad, especially once the train establishes a station near Manatawny
Park. Wausnock envisions a horse-drawn trolley providing transportation to and
from the merry go round.

Shorter term,
Wausnock predicts a late-December opening for the Pottstown Carousel. If work
continues to go exceedingly well, a soft-open is possible by Thanksgiving. And
if progress truly races ahead of schedule, rides could begin as early as
Halloween.

Admission to the Carousel of Flavor is free; however, to
enjoy the menu items, tickets are needed. Each costs $1, and attendees are able
to "spend" them in any way they choose. Vendors, music, children's games, art
displays, a beer garden and a wine tent are all on the agenda, which runs from
noon to 4 p.m., along the 100 Block of
High Street, in front of Borough Hall. The celebration is tied to Pottstown's
bicentennial, which will be marked by the opening of a time capsule.

Last year, the event
attracted more than 6,000 people, so food fans and carousel lovers are
encouraged to get there early.

Author: Dan Weckerly - VFTCB Communications Manager

Dan Weckerly, VFTCB Communications Manager, has lived in Montgomery
County since 1988 but is still discovering its many treasures, which
provides the basis for The Pursuit. He is well-traveled across
the U.S. and even lived in London, but more commonly shares his
household with a wife of more than 25 years, three daughters and a boisterous
Labrador Retriever.